Boggess Reads Bible as Trial Begins

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DURHAM — It was 18 months ago that a Wilmington
teenager was beaten and left for dead in Durham. Friday, a jury heard
prosecutors' arguments for a death penalty sentence for the accused
killer.

Todd Boggess was silent as he entered the packed courtroom Friday, then
spent the day reading from a Bible at the defense table as Durham District
Attorney Jim Hardin proceeded with his opening statements.

The victim, 17-year-old Danny Pence, was an honor student in
Wilmington. Hardin says Boggess and his girlfriend kidnapped Pence, stole
his car and beat him to death.

Hardin told the jury that they will hear a taped confession from
Boggess. That tape was played in pre-trial hearings two months ago.

Pence's mother says her pain is difficult to put into words.

The Boggess trial will continue next week.

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